Anthurium plant named Crystal Hope

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct cultivar of Anthurium crystallinum plant named Crystal Hope characterized by its outwardly facing leaves which show the full leaf blade, relatively small leaves, iridescent leaf venation which contrasts with dark green leaf blades, leaf petioles, which do not stretch under low light conditions, and by its very infrequent flowering.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar ofAnthurium, botanically known as Anthurium crystallinum, and referred toby the cultivar named Crystal Hope.

The new cultivar was developed by the inventor in Cartago, Costa Rica,through controlled breeding by crossing a selection of Anthuriumcrystallinum identified as LV-36 as the female parent with a selectionof Anthurium crystallinum identified as LV-40 as the male parent. Bothparents were hybrids used only in the breeding program. These parentswere noted for their distinctive foliar venation patterns and small leafsize.

The new cultivar was discovered from the progeny of the cross by theinventor in Cartago, Costa Rica, and given the number designation 30-8.Asexual propagation by divisions and micropropagated leaf cuttings firstcarried out by the inventor in Cartago, Costa Rica, and later carriedout in south central Florida and West Chicago, Ill., has demonstratedthat the unique features of this new anthurium are stabilized and arereproduced true to type in successive propagations.

The following observations, measurements and values describe plantsgrown in south central Florida in a polypropylene-covered shade housewith day temperatures of 30° to 38° C. and night temperatures of 20° to30° C. Measurements and values represent averages for six typical plantsobserved for evaluation purposes.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed to be characteristicswhich in combination distinguish the new cultivar from other Anthuriumcrystallinum cultivars of the same general type.

1. Relatively small size which is maintained as the plant matures.

2. The leaves face outwardly showing the full leaf blade.

3. The leaf venation is iridescent providing a pleasing contrast withthe dark green blade color.

4. Leaf petioles do not stretch under low light interiorscapeconditions.

5. More rapid production of finished plants.

6. Very frequent flowering; when flowering does occur, spathes are smalland white in color, and the spandix is yellowish white.

All color references are to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart(RHS). Colors will vary somewhat depending on horticultural practicessuch as light level and fertilization rate, among others, without,however, any variation in genotype.

The color photographic drawing comprises a top perspective view showingthe inflorescence and foliage of a typical specimen plant of the newcultivar.

The photograph is of a plant of the new cultivar grown in a 25.5 cm potfor one year from a tissue culture plug and grown under appropriategrowing conditions. Colors are as accurate as possible with colorillustrations of this type.

Origin: Cross between Anthurium crystallinum selections LV-36 femaleparent with LV-40 as male parent.

Classification: Anthurium crystallinum, cv Crystal Hope

Propagation: Asexual production either by micropropagation, i.e., tissueculture, or division. Roots are initiated in approximately 20 days at25° C. The rooting habit is epiphytic, roots emerge from stem, thickvelamen.

Plant:

A. Form.--Upright

B. Habit of growth.--Leaves produced in whorls.

C. Foliage description.--Size: 1. Size: a. Length: 20 cm. b. Width: 13.5cm. 2. Shape:Cordate with two lobes on either side of petioleattachment; apex is acuminate, base is truncate; leaves are orientedoutwardly and slightly downwardly. 3. Surface texture: Leaf surfaces aresmooth. Veins protrude on top side of leaf; midvein also protrudes onunder side but lateral veins are slightly sunken. 4. Margin: Entire. 5.Color: a. Youngest foliage top side; 152A. b. Youngest foliage underside: 199B. c. Expanding foliage top side: 146A. d. Expanding foliageunder side: 147C. e. Mature and older foliage top side: Darker and bluerthan 147A. f. Mature and older foliage under side: 147B. 6.Petiole.--Length is 20.5 cm, diameter 2 mm; color 7. Venation: Color isgenerally brilliant crystalline white; for expanding leaves, midveinsand main lateral veins are iridescent 192D top side and 147C under side;for mature and older leaves, midveins and lateral veins are iridescent192D top side and 147B under side; pattern is pinnately reticulate.

Inflorescence:

A. Flower type and habit.--Flowers are inconspicuous.

B. Natural flowering season.--Year-round in tropical and subtropicalareas.

C. Flowers borne.--Above foliage, arising from leaf axils.

D. Peduncle.--Length is 25.5 cm, diameter 2mm; color 146A.

E. Quality of flowers.--Potential of one flower per leaf, althoughprescence of flowers is infrequent.

F. Spathe.--1. Shape: Cordate; apex acuminate, base truncate; spathe isattached from upright to generally perpendicular to peduncle. 2. Size:a. Length: 3.5 cm b. Width: 1.5 cm. 3. Color: White. 4. Surface texture:Top and under surfaces of spathe are smooth.

5. Margin: Entire.

G. Spadix.--1. Shape; Cylindrical. 2. Size: a. Length: 2.0 cm. b.Diameter: 2.5 mm. 3. Color: Yellowish white.

Disease resistance:

No fungal, bacterial or viral problems have been observed to date.

It is claimed:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of Anthurium plant named Crystal Hope, as illustrated and described. 